Spring in Portland is a game-changer. The rain starts letting up (a little), the cherry blossoms take over the city, and suddenly, everyone is out biking, brunching, and making up for lost time after winter. If you’re looking for the best ways to enjoy Portland in the spring, this list has you covered. From peak bloom spots to the best places to grab a drink outside, here’s how to do spring right in Portland, Oregon.
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Table of Contents
- Portland Spring Weather
- 13 Spring Things to Do in Portland, Oregon
- 1. Walk Under the Cherry Blossom Trees at Waterfront Park
- 2. Check Out the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
- 3. Indulge in the Portland Farmers Market
- 4. Grab a Drink on a Rooftop Bar
- 5. Go Hiking (Without Getting Completely Soaked)
- 6. Catch a Timbers or Thorns Game
- 7. Take a Day Trip to the Columbia River Gorge
- 8. Feast at a Food Cart Pod
- 9. Explore the Rhododendron Garden
- 10. Eat Fresh Oysters Near Cannon Beach
- 11. Go Coffee Shop Hopping on a Rainy Day
- 12. Get Lost in Powell’s City of Books
- 13. Stop and Smell the Roses at the Portland Rose Garden (+ a few more activities!)
- What to Pack for Portland in the Spring
Portland Spring Weather
Spring in Portland is unpredictable—one minute, the sun is shining, and the next, you’re caught in a random downpour. March is still pretty rainy, with highs around 55°F (13°C), but by May, things start to warm up to a comfortable 70°F (21°C). You’ll definitely want to layer up because mornings can be chilly, and even on sunny days, a rain jacket is never a bad idea. The bonus? All that rain means the city is ridiculously green, and everything is in bloom.
13 Spring Things to Do in Portland, Oregon
1. Walk Under the Cherry Blossom Trees at Waterfront Park
The cherry blossoms at Tom McCall Waterfront Park are hands down one of the best spring sights in Portland. These trees, a gift from Japan, explode into pink clouds every March, turning the waterfront into a postcard-worthy scene. Bring your coffee, snap some photos, and just take it all in. I suggest going early in the morning to beat the crowds and get that perfect shot. Or, I love sunset for a moody, perfect light.
2. Check Out the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
If you’re willing to make a short drive, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn is absolutely worth it. This place looks straight out of the Netherlands, with rows of colorful tulips, hot air balloon rides, and wine tastings. It’s a little touristy, but honestly? It’s gorgeous, and sometimes you just have to lean in.
When to go: March 21, April 27th 2025
3. Indulge in the Portland Farmers Market
Spring means fresh produce, and there’s no better place to get it than the Portland Farmers Market at PSU. Think local strawberries, fresh-cut flowers, homemade pastries, and top-tier people-watching. Even if you’re not grocery shopping, it’s worth grabbing a bite from one of the food vendors. This is my absolute favorite farmers market in the world (honestly), and it’s the perfect way to capture the true essence and community of Portland, Oregon.
Tip: Make sure to try, or purchase, some vegan cheese from Vtopia. Even if you aren’t vegan, you’ve got to give it a try. The favors are fabulous and honestly, it’s hard to tell it’s not filled with dairy.
4. Grab a Drink on a Rooftop Bar
Portlanders take full advantage of every dry day, and spring is when patio and rooftop season kicks off. Check out Tope (at The Hoxton) for tacos and killer views, Revolution Hall’s Roof Deck for a laid-back vibe with local beer (opens April 18th!) or Noble Rot, where you can sip wine while looking out over the city.
5. Go Hiking (Without Getting Completely Soaked)
Spring hiking in Oregon means everything is extra green, the waterfalls are roaring, and, yes, you’ll probably still hit some rain. Try Latourell Falls for an easy but stunning waterfall hike, Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail for something closer to the city, or head to Dog Mountain in May for wildflowers with a view. We were spoiled to live right near Forest Park, so my favorite springtime ritual was grabbing coffee and hiking in the forest.
6. Catch a Timbers or Thorns Game
Portland is a soccer city, and the energy at Providence Park during a Timbers (MLS) or Thorns (NWSL) game is next level. The fans go all out—think singing, scarves, and actual chainsaws revving after goals. Even if you’re not a die-hard soccer fan, the atmosphere alone makes it worth it.
7. Take a Day Trip to the Columbia River Gorge
This one’s a no-brainer. Spring is peak season for waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, and spots like Multnomah Falls, Trail of 10 Falls, and Wahclella Falls are at their most powerful. The trails can be muddy, but that’s just part of the deal. Pack a rain jacket and go chase some waterfalls.
8. Feast at a Food Cart Pod
Portland’s food carts are legendary, and spring is the best time to enjoy them without freezing or sweating. Check out Hawthorne Asylum for a little bit of everything or Cartopia for amazing beer from Bottle Rocket Burgers and Thai food.
9. Explore the Rhododendron Garden
Not enough people talk about the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, but it’s easily one of the most underrated spring spots in the city (and it’s rated in top 5 gardens in the U.S!) . Peak bloom is in April and May, when the whole place is bursting with bright pinks, reds, and purples. Plus, there are ducks. Enough said.
10. Eat Fresh Oysters Near Cannon Beach
Spring is the perfect time for a coastal day trip, and if you’re heading to Cannon Beach, make a stop for fresh oysters. Ecola Seafoods in Cannon Beach has some of the best locally harvested oysters, served raw or grilled. We always grab a dozen (or two) here to bring home. If you’re up for a short drive, head to Jetty Fishery or Kelly’s Brighton Marina along Nehalem Bay, where you can shuck your own oysters right by the water or get a fresh grab to take home! Pair them with a local Oregon white wine, and you’ve got yourself the perfect spring meal.
Travel Tip: Check out the tide pools at Haystack Rock while you’re there during sunset!
11. Go Coffee Shop Hopping on a Rainy Day
Let’s be real—spring in Portland still comes with its fair share of rainy days. But that just gives you the perfect excuse to dive into the city’s insane coffee scene. Start in NW Portland with a stop at Sterling Coffee for an expertly crafted cappuccino in a cozy, European-style space. Then head to the Alberta Arts District, where you can sip single-origin pour-overs at Barista or grab a cardamom latte at Proud Mary. If you’re exploring SE Portland, swing by Coava Coffee for a beautifully brewed cup in a minimalist setting, or settle into a corner at Either/Or for creative drinks like their seasonal mood lattes.
12. Get Lost in Powell’s City of Books
No trip to Portland—especially on a drizzly spring day—is complete without wandering through Powell’s City of Books. This legendary indie bookstore takes up an entire city block in downtown Portland and has multiple floors packed with everything from rare finds to the latest bestsellers. You can easily lose hours here flipping through pages, browsing staff recommendations, or hunting down a hidden gem in the color-coded rooms.
13. Stop and Smell the Roses at the Portland Rose Garden (+ a few more activities!)
Spring is when the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park starts coming to life, and by late May, it’s in full bloom. With over 10,000 rose bushes and 600 varieties, this place is basically a real-life postcard. Even if you’re not a flower person, the views alone—overlooking downtown Portland with Mt. Hood in the background—are worth the trip. It’s free to visit, and since it’s in Washington Park, you can make a day of it by stopping at the Portland Japanese Garden or taking a scenic walk through the park’s trails.
What to Pack for Portland in the Spring
Spring in Portland is unpredictable—you’ll get sunshine, rain, and everything in between. The key is layers and waterproof everything. Even if it looks sunny when you leave your hotel, always have a rain jacket just in case. Here’s what you’ll want to pack:
- A good rain jacket | It will rain, but a lightweight, packable one like this rain jacket (and it’s under $100!). will keep you dry without overheating.
- Waterproof boots or sneakers | Whether you’re exploring the city or hiking, something like these waterproof sneakers will keep your feet dry, and are trendy.
- Layers, layers, layers | Think breathable tops, sweaters, and a light jacket.
- A crossbody bag or backpack | Keep it hands-free and water-resistant, like this one, so you’re ready for city exploring or day trips.
- Reusable water bottle | Portland’s tap water is some of the best, so bring a refillable bottle and stay hydrated.
- Sunglasses | When the sum comes out (I promise it will!), you’ll want sunglasses, so make sure to always have a pair with you.
Shop My Portland Spring Essentials
Spring in Portland is all about making up for lost time after winter. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on a rooftop, hiking to waterfalls, or just soaking up the cherry blossoms, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city. So grab your rain jacket (because let’s be real, you’ll still need it) and get outside!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Portland in the spring? Let me know in the comments!
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